# 2016 Magic: The Gathering Commander 2016 #291

> The Dismal Backwater card (291) from the 2016 Magic: The Gathering Commander release. This common land card supports dual-color strategies with reliable mana output and life gain.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2016
- **Brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set**: Commander 2016
- **Card Number**: 291
- **Featured**: Dismal Backwater
- **Game**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Rarity**: Common
- **Type**: Land
- **Language**: English
- **Material**: Card Stock
- **Finish**: Normal

## Description

The Dismal Backwater card, numbered 291 in the 2016 Magic: The Gathering Commander set, serves as a foundational land card for players building black and blue decks. Designed by artist Sam Burley, this common card offers a straightforward yet effective ability for mana production while simultaneously providing life gain upon entering the battlefield. For collectors of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game, this card represents a staple piece of the Commander product line, appealing to those who appreciate both the strategic utility and the collectible nature of the set. As a land card with zero mana value, Dismal Backwater is integral to deck construction in formats that allow its color identity. Its design reflects the aesthetic and functional standards established in the 2016 Commander release, making it a recognizable item for enthusiasts of the brand. Collectors often seek out complete sets or specific cards like this to expand their library of Magic: The Gathering products. Whether you are looking to complete your Commander collection or add a reliable land to your gaming group's inventory, this card remains a key component of the era's design philosophy. The enduring popularity of the Commander format ensures that cards from this 2016 release continue to be relevant and sought after by the community.

## FAQ

### What does the Dismal Backwater card do?

Dismal Backwater is a land card that enters the battlefield tapped. When it enters, you gain 1 life, and you can tap it to add either one blue or one black mana.

### What set is the Dismal Backwater card from?

This card is part of the Commander set released in 2016, identified by the set code C16. It is numbered 291 within that specific release.

### Who is the artist of the Dismal Backwater card?

The artwork for Dismal Backwater was created by Sam Burley, whose illustrations are featured in the 2016 Commander product line.

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Editorial content updated: 2026-09-25.

Site deployment: 2025-11-29.